Bismarck removed before 1878.

If Bismarck had not signed the Dual alliance, or if death or another reason had removed him from the scene, before 1879, how likely is it that William I or Wilhelm II would veer towards an alliance with Russia, rather than one with Austria. William I was against the Dual Alliance but caved in. Would Wilhelm II have signed a treaty with Russia.
If no Dual alliance, do France and Russia sign the Entente, does Germany and Britain ally, or Germany and Russia.
 

MSZ

Banned
Unlikely. Both states had powerful "lobbies" itching for war with one another - it was Bismarcks skills what kept the Alliance of Three Emperors alive, and it's no coincidence it broke down just after his fall from power. Germany wants Mitteleuropa at Russia's expanse; Russia wants all slavic territories Germany has; Both want control over the turkish straits. Because of their national interests being strongly driven by romantic nationalism, any "spheres of influence" type of deal would be short lasting.

Without Bismarck, Russia would most likely get all it wants after its war in Turkey in 1878, since neither Austro-Hungary nor Britain would dare acting against it militarly and the Congress of Berlin most likely doesn't take place. Russia would have it's puppet states Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, control over the straits and most likely would sign an alliance with France earlier to keep it's gains. So essentialy, without Bismarck the Entente forms earlier, Germany has Austro-Hungary as it's only ally, Britain still is more likely to join in to the defence of France - possibly giving us an earlier Great War.
 
Last edited:
Top